Mother's Day 2013

Happy Mother's Day to our
beautiful Blessed Mother

The new norm for my Mother's Day

The weekend started off on Friday evening with a liturgy for parents Grieving the Loss of a Child at Notre Dame Parish in North Caldwell. We have attended the mass the last few years. This year our dear friends, Pat & Jim, accompanied us. The loss of a child (young or older) is unfathomable. The heart pain can’t be understood by anyone who hasn’t experienced it. We can relate to the father who speaks with tears in his eyes and sobs in his throat; thankful that he has to courage to stand in front of the congregation and share his son or daughter’s story with everyone. The stories may vary, but the deep sadness is shared by every parent in the church. Though we are united in grief, we must remember we each grieve differently. The service at this time of the year has an extra special meaning; I am surrounded by mothers and fathers who know what it is not to be able to hug your child, not to hear the laughter that is music to a parent’s ear, not to have the chance to create new memories, and many more things that we will never have the chance to experience with our precious son or daughter. All we can do is remember our children; sadly, we can no longer experience them.


Janet McCormack (Associate Director, Family Life Ministries) did a superb job speaking the names of each child. No matter how long the list is, every name on it is spoken aloud, softly, and correctly. The mass is very poignant; just to hear our daughter's name overwhelmingly touches our hearts.

We remember...

LAURA ELIZABETH CITARELLA

now and forever.

After the mass, people gather downstairs at “Charlie's Place” for light refreshments. The celebrants--Rev. Marc Vicari and Rev. Anthony Randazzo join the group. All the ladies receive a carnation and one person from each table gets to take the geranium home. When I get it I plant it at Laura's grave site. She will be getting a pretty pink geranium.

Fred and I want to “Thank” everyone who volunteers to make the mass for deceased children so special. We truly appreciate it.

For additional information, please contact the Office of Family Life Ministries, Archdiocese of Newark at 973-497-4327.

Then on Mother's Day, I spent time with my son, daugher-in-law, and Julia (Danielle's mom). Danielle and David treated us to brunch at Bel Posto. We had a very pleasant meal together. Thank you kids! All moms received a beautiful red rose from the maître D.

Later in the afternoon we went to D & D's house and we got a chance to see our grand dogs, Jackson and Louie. I had a peaceful, delightful day with my son. (Laura was with us in spirit.)

Julia & Danielle



Claudia & Danielle




David & Mom